Mitscherlichite
A variety of Minerals
What is Mitscherlichite?
Potassium tetrachloridocuprate(II) is a salt with chemical formula K2CuCl4, also written as (K)2·[CuCl4]. The compound is often found as the dihydrate K2CuCl4·2H2O, which is a brilliant greenish blue crystalline solid. This form also occurs naturally as the rare mineral mitscherlichite. The compound is also called potassium tetrachlorocuprate(II), dipotassium tetrachlorocuprate, potassium copper(II) tetrachloride, potassium cupric chloride and other similar names.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Mitscherlichite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Mitscherlichite Localities Map
See where Mitscherlichite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Composition of Mitscherlichite
The crystal structure of the dihydrate was partially determined in 1927 by Hendricks and Dickinson and refined in 1934 by Chrobak. The structure is tetragonal P42/mnm (136), Z=2, isostructural with ammonium tetrachoridocuprate(II) (NH4)2CuCl4·2H2O and rubidium tetrachoridocuprate(II) Rb2CuCl4·2H2O. Each copper atom is immediately surrounded by two oxygen atoms and four chlorine atoms forming a hydrated tetrachloridocuprate(II) anion. Two of the chlorine atoms are about 0.75 angstroms further away than the other two. Each potassium atom is surrounded by four oxygen atoms, four copper atoms and eight chlorine atoms.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Greenish-blue; colourless in transmitted light
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 2.5
- Density
- 2.41 g/cm³
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- K2CuCl4 · 2H2O
- Elements
- Cl, Cu, H, K, O
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Mitscherlichite FAQs
How do I identify Mitscherlichite?
Mitscherlichite can be identified by its hardness of 2.5 on the Mohs scale, Greenish-blue; colourless in transmitted light color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Mitscherlichite?
Mitscherlichite typically appears in Greenish-blue; colourless in transmitted light. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Mitscherlichite?
Mitscherlichite has a hardness of 2.5 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.
What is the composition of mitscherlichite of Mitscherlichite?
The crystal structure of the dihydrate was partially determined in 1927 by Hendricks and Dickinson and refined in 1934 by Chrobak. The structure is tetragonal P42/mnm (136), Z=2, isostructural with ammonium tetrachoridocuprate(II) (NH4)2CuCl4·2H2O and rubidium tetrachoridocuprate(II) Rb2CuCl4·2H2O. Each copper atom is immediately surrounded by two oxygen atoms and four chlorine atoms forming a hydrated tetrachloridocuprate(II) anion. Two of the chlorine atoms are about 0.75 angstroms further away than the other two. Each potassium atom is surrounded by four oxygen atoms, four copper atoms and eight chlorine atoms.
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